Have you been getting PCR tests for your kids?

[OttilieStonelady]

My child (3) has been unwell with high temperatures about 6 times over the last two months. I can't keep taking 3 days off work every 2/3 weeks. I have done so far but it's getting ridiculous. My question, is there an alternative? I feel like I'm becoming a huge pain at work. Also, would you be worried about that many temps (all accompanied by runny nose) in two months?

[quote Lemons1571]@CataclysmicVariable will he have to isolate once the new term starts? Once isolation of contacts ends on 16th august[/quote]
I’m guessing not, but I’m not sure - will cross that bridge when we come to it in September I suppose. It happened on several occasions this past term though, and even though our longest wait for results was only 36 hours it’s still disruptive for pupils and school on such regular occasions. Though of course we are all much more used to last minute disruption now. But I think people who are very keen on a wider range of symptoms requiring a PCR often forget the self isolation of the household requirement and what a knock-on effect it has. Or maybe they are well aware but it doesn’t affect them very much so they see it as worth it.

My DD has cough dominant asthma, you can imagine what a ball ache that’s been. I now just LF test her at home when she’s starts coughing again & tell nursery her test was negative. I don’t specify which test I’ve done. The one time DD did have covid, she didn’t have a cough!

I use my judgement. I know what her asthma cough sounds like & she isn’t ill with it. Just coughs uncontrollably.

Nursery cannot legally enforce you to prove a negative test. They have to accept your word. But not easy to argue if they won’t let your child back in!

I think people who are very keen on a wider range of symptoms requiring a PCR often forget the self isolation of the household requirement and what a knock-on effect it has. Or maybe they are well aware but it doesn’t affect them very much so they see it as worth it.

Yes, I do wonder. Especially for those of us who are limited to home PCRs only, so it's an even longer turnaround while everyone sits at home. (We keep one in reserve now and just order a new one every time that one's used.)

Benefit of home tests at least I suppose is that you can try to do the test in their sleep, which is marginally less traumatic although I find there's not much in it. Bring on saliva tests! Please!

Our nursery are ok if it’s a continuing cough from last PCR - so for example my 2.5yo had a temp and cough a few weeks ago so we got her a negative PCR. The cough has lingered since then but, because it’s not ‘new’, nursery have been fine with her still going.

This seems like a reasonable policy, though of course is a massive PITA for those kids who seemingly get better only for the cough to return.

That seems like a lot of fevers to me. Ds1 (just finished nursery going to start school this year) has only had 1 fever in 18 months.

@shouldistop

That seems like a lot of fevers to me. Ds1 (just finished nursery going to start school this year) has only had 1 fever in 18 months.

Your 1 DS...........

Each child is different. Of course it could be for a reason, but many kids have lots of fevers and are perfectly healthy. They also grow out if it.

I would suggest that 1 fever in 18 months with a child going to nursery for that full 18 months is not normal!